Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh:

Regarding heads 5, 7 and 9, the general binding rules, Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked what kind of conditions will be placed on a licensed facility by the EPA. Real-time metering and reporting would absolutely be required for those larger licensed abstraction points. With regard to people who are required to register, which is a smaller level, what is the balance of burden that one wishes to place, even with technology? There is a tension regarding the argument that the registration system should be brought down to the lowest level possible between those who want it lower and those who do not want it lower because of possible burdens or legal obligations. There is a balance in what one provides for. We will certainly look at the general binding rules, which we are doing some work on at the moment, and at what is appropriate to contain within those.